The Psychological Study Of Non Verbal Communication

The Psychological Study of Non-Verbal Communication Jonathan D. Benton Columbia College of Missouri Student References used will be listed throughout the paper as well as listed at the end. Abstract In this paper we will be discussing the ideas involved with non-verbal communication as it pertains to the human species and also how it is perceived by others or completely over looked. We will discuss how non-verbal communication has changed throughout history. The study of Non-verbal communication has been around since the 1950s, primarily as a cross disciplinary effort in regards to psychiatrists, linguists, and anthropologists. Popular media, books and empirical research were the primary focus throughout the 60s and 70s and it†¦show more content†¦Before one can understand non-verbal communication one must understand that in order for there to be non-verbal communication it is assumed that a person need not knowingly or intentionally communicate nonverbally for it to be considered actual communications for the purpose of this paper. Elements of Nonverbal communication Nonverbal communication is comprised of four main elements. They are: paralanguage, body language, interpersonal space, and personal effects. Paralanguage is other than the actual words being used by a person, the way the person says the chosen words can insinuate an entirely new meaning. A person may add such things as laughing or sighing as examples. A person may say â€Å"I’m fine† when asked how they are however if they say it with a certain tone you could deduct that this person is in fact saying that they are not â€Å"Fine†. Body language consists of the way a person stands, facial expressions, the way you walk, and eye contact. Facial gestures are one of the most important elements of body language. People from different cultures often are able to demonstrate and recognize facial expressions and there underlying meanings of the expressions. Another factor that gives up information about a person’s emotional state is eye contact. Eye contact can let a person know that an individual is actively listening or not.